All is Calm…..most days. We’ve had a busy fall and beginning to winter. Going back to school was an adjustment, but Bridget handled it beautifully. She now attends Countryside School where she has her own special classroom, as well as participates in the regular ed. Kindergarten class. Her new teachers are outstanding (yet for those of you from ELC, we will miss you eternally). I had the opportunity to introduce Bridget to her “peers” (yes, they are a year younger) and it was quite a treat. I made a book about Bridget including activities she used to do like celebrate her birthday, carve pumpkins, dress up, visit Santa , go swimming, etc. I wanted the kids to know that Bridget is (was) just like them. I wanted them to know she enjoys doing the same things they do. Then I had to explain how she got sick and how her legs don’t work like they used to or her eyes. It was remarkable to see the joy of meeting someone new and the compassion they felt for Bridget all in the same moment. Children can be utterly amazing. She’s had the chance to go on field trips with the children and come to their room to do projects and music time. I told the kids how much Bridget enjoys her hand being held and some new friends clamor to get the chance. Makes you feel good when you’re a mother- knowing that your child is liked and has friends. That’s really all you ever want for your child- to be happy. I’d like to think she is.
Making a trip to the pumpkin patch in Indiana
New friends assisting B on their field trip. So sweet!
Bridget remains Harrison’s number one fan as she trekked to flag football and soccer games, which lasted through the first weekend of November. Most days we had beautiful weather with sunshine, but later in the season it got pretty chilly. Thank goodness for the red covered wagon and one of the many blankets Miss B has to keep her snuggly warm. As soon as those sports ended, it was time for our superstar’s birthday. There was something magical about the numbers: 7 on 11. Her birthday was 11-11-11 this year and Bridget turned 7. I really can’t believe that she is this old. She seems younger in so many regards and that is how we think of her most often. We try to help Harrison remember how she was even though it wasn’t so long ago. I don’t ever want him to forget how she RAN down the hall when the donut box came in from the garage, or how she ate the apple down to its core and threw it in the toy box or how she carried this little yellow box around and kept treasures hidden in it- daily. There really is so much to remember, but it gets more and more difficult as time passes. Thank goodness I kept really good track of it while it was happening with albums and videos. I just wish there were more.
Grandpa Bob helping B pet the bunny at her animal birthday party.
Two very important things happened within the past month. We welcomed a new member of our family home- Remy (short for Remington) as he became our new baby /puppy. He is a welcome sight to us all as he promises life and future and fun! We really needed a happy occasion to celebrate in the Kennicott house. Our very loyal and magnificent dog Timber went to heaven. Harrison asked me how do I know he’s in heaven. I said because he’s up there with brother Orvis, Packer, Molly, Lucy and Gracie (other dear dogs who have gone on). Harrison also asked me if he was still sick in heaven and I said- no, everyone is healthy and happy in heaven. You KNOW this made him think about a lot more than just Timber. So losing our dog of 11 years was extremely rough on us all. He was an outstanding companion, friend, protector and therapist. His passing is just the reality of what our family will encounter. We will miss him greatly, especially as we try to potty train Remy in the cold!
Timber Meets Remy
Now we enter the winter season and more importantly, the holidays. Bridget’s health is for the most part- stable. However, she has been having these coughing attacks and gagging issues more frequently. We do everything we can- roll her on her side, do compressions, suction, administer expectorant/cough medicine and just try to calm her down. Our nurse will be coming over tomorrow with oxygen and a pulse ox to monitor her air intake. It’s just the next step toward the other ones we don’t want to take. It feels like someone is making us walk the plank with a gun pressed into our back while sharks are circling underneath us in the water. There’s nowhere to turn. So, we inch along as slowly as possible, hug each other tightly and pray to God that the next step is further away than we think. I’m standing on the plank, closing my eyes tight and trying to feel the sun on my face. All is bright…
We hope you have a very wonderful holiday season with your friends and family while lovingly remember those who have gone to heaven. Because even Harrison knows, Heaven is For Real (an excellent read I highly recommend). And don’t forget to sing a few Christmas carols. They put us all in a better mood. Here’s to many silent nights this winter.
Posted by Sara Kennicott on 12.11.2011
Here's what people are saying about Silent Night, Holy Night
There are 11 comments.Sara, you are such an inspiration to stay positive and strong.
Bless your family and especially sweet little Bridget.
You also have the best holiday season!
Connie & Julia
Connie CastilloDecember 12th, 2011 at 7:17 am
Sara,
Thank you for your touching and honest update on sweet Bridget. I think of your family often. I am wishing for you a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of love and smiles and memories to hold near forever. You are walking this plank with such dignity, grace, and love. You are amazing. We all feel quite helpless watching your journey.
Wishing you peaceful holidays,
Kay GearyKay
December 12th, 2011 at 7:50 am
Sara…
Bridget’s life is a blessing to me. She continues to teach me about strength, courage and compassion…and holding onto those “Silent Nights” of which you write. I cannot even fathom the fear of walking the plank that you Dave and Harrison walk. Along the entire journey I want you to know that we are here to wrap our arms around you and embrace you with love and support. We keep you all close in heart every single day.
I believe with all of my heart that angels exist; angels like Timber, Molly, Packer and Gracie are watching over us all in some way. Feel the blessing of Remy meeting Timber, as I feel the blessing of meeting you 17 years ago. You were meant to be my sweet friend and for that I am blessed.
I love you all so much.
Continue to keep your face to the sun.
Love,
Kerry HughesKerry
December 12th, 2011 at 8:45 am
Hi, I am Lori’s mother. I just read your update and was very touched. I like the idea of the sun on your face. I pictured it as the light coming from God and reminding you to keep facing toward Him and He will take your hand so you won’t fall off the plank. Keep trusting and setting a good example as you are. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you. Pat Blavat
Pat BlavatDecember 12th, 2011 at 9:11 am
Such a beautiful letter… I’m still crying. Sara you are so amazing at expressing such hearfelt emotions in such an eloquent way. Thank you for sharing your amazing Family with us. We are so blessed every day to have you in our lives. Bridget is so lucky to have you!!! Thank you. Merry Christmas!
Jenny ShannonDecember 12th, 2011 at 11:22 am
You have captured the joy and agony of Batten disease. There is so much that is dreadful about this disease that we often lose the sense of joy and happiness that these special children give to us. Yes, it is like watching a bomb and wondering when it will explode but each day is a blessing for us and you have captured the essence of each day. Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas.
Lance JohnstonDecember 12th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Dear Sara, Dave, Harrison, and Bridget,
Thank you for the update. Thank you for being the amazing family that you are and for sharing your journey so authentically and with such inspiration. We love you all and think of you often. May you have a very merry Christmas and continue to feel the warmth of the sun on your faces.
Peace and Joy,
Beverly PreussThe Preusses
December 12th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Dear friends of our children,(Bev and Ken Preuss),
As I read your inspiring message and know how very much you mean to Bev & Ken and Caitlin, I feel blessed that we are included in your message.
May you continue to have bright moments that outshine any of the dark ones, and feel that sunshine on your face and faith.
Prayerfully,
Janet DealJanet & Charlie Deal
December 13th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
I’m in awe of you and your family. Words are failing me now as I’m holding back the tears. May you know and feel the prayers that are being lifted up on Bridget’s behalf, and yours, David’s and of course, Harrison’s too. Before bed every night, our family devotes prayers for yours.
Thank you for sharing your journey. You are touching so many lives.
JennieDecember 14th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Thanks for the update Sara, we miss Bridget every day here at the ELC!
Joanne OwenJanuary 6th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Let me first take the time to introduce myself. My name is John L. Rothdiener and I am a Christian Author. My stories come to me in dreams which I believe is a gift from God. I will not take the time to tell you about my past books…I am not here to sell any. The fact is my latest novel which I am finishing up is a fictional story about families who must deal with the reality of Battens. Why did I chose Battens. I didn’t, thats what God put on my heart. It is a story of hope and love which should be released around Christmas 2012, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward finding a cure. Having recently been blessed with a beautiful grandson I cannot imagine what these families are going through. But I want them to know that I pray and I cry daily for children like Bridget and Hope. God Bless our children.
J.L. Rothdiener
J.L. RothdienerJanuary 30th, 2012 at 6:42 am
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